Gadkari directs NMPT, MRPL to commission LNG terminal at port by June 2017

Union minister for road transport and highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday reviewed the development and performance of New Mangalore Port and directed NMPT and MRPL to take up the LNG project on fast track and commission it by June 2017 to make LNG available to fertilizer plants.Jaideep Shenoy | TNN | Updated: December 17, 2015, 07:59 IST

MANGALURU | Dec 16: Union minister for road transport and highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday reviewed the development and performance of New Mangalore Port and directed NMPT and MRPL to take up the LNG project on fast track and commission it by June 2017 to make LNG available to fertilizer plants. This, the minister said will reduce the cost of urea which in turn will reduce the government subsidy and make available fertilizer at a cheaper rate to farmers.

He has further added that port should award work for the mechanisation of coal handling in January 2016. He also discussed status of satellite port in Uttara Kannada near Belikere and directed the port to follow it up with railways and state government for development of Ankola – Hubballi railway line. This, he said will facilitate the iron ore and allied industries operating out of Ballari, Hospet, Raichur, Dharwad area to get the port service at a competitive rate.

The minister also has instructed that port to implement recommendations of Boston Consultancy group (International Benchmark Consultancy appointed by the Ministry of Shipping) to improve the efficiency and productivity to optimize the port transaction cost. P C Parida, chairman, NMPT explained to ministers the various steps taken by the port to expedite various projects of national importance including the move to set up a LNG terminal in association with MRPL.